US multinational Microsoft has officially announced it will open a major store in London in July 2019.
The store, which is a first for the software giant in terms of physical outlets, will be based at the prime retail location of Oxford Circus. Over three levels, customers visiting, living or working in the capital will have a chance to check out the latest services and products available from Microsoft and its associated partners. Hands-on zones are installed across the store against a moving backdrop of video walls. These areas will be ideal for visitors wanting to get to grips with Office, Windows, Surface, Xbox and mixed-reality on HoloLens, among other Microsoft products.
The Microsoft Store is designed to become a tech hub, building a network with customers, businesses and the London community with the aim of empowering both individuals and organisations alike to achieve.
Store Manager for the flagship branch in London, John Carter, said:
“This will be more than just a store. Customers will have the chance to explore and get hands-on with technology. We’ve got a passionate group of store associates ready to bring the experience of tech alive for customers. Unique to any job in retail, there will be many ways for us to give back to our communities, help them build connections and grow.”
Free all-year-round programmes and workshops will be held on STEM (Science Technology Engineering and Mathematics) learning and coding at the Community Theatre located at the store. Businesses looking to grow their tech, avid gamers seeking a tournament, students of coding, and teachers looking for new topics to pique the interest of their pupils are all invited to make the most of what’s on offer.
Another feature of the flagship store will be the Answer Desk, a designated area where customers in need of repairs, advice, training and tech support can receive assistance from Microsoft specialists.
Microsoft Store Corporate Vice-President David Porter commented:
“A flagship store in London has long been part of our vision for our physical and digital store presence. This opening represents another step in our journey to meet our customers – from consumers to businesses – wherever they are and deepen our connection with them. London is one of the world’s most exciting shopping destinations, and we look forward to empowering customers to explore all that is possible with Microsoft.”
The London store is yet another advance in a four-decade-long investment from Microsoft in the UK. Recently, the company expanded the regions of its cloud computing service Azure, doubling it in size in a bid to aid more UK businesses to digitally transform. The investment also illustrates a commitment from Microsoft to support UK growth of digital skills, working in conjunction with youth and computing education communities.
The London store is based in the Oxford Circus shopping area, and officially opens on July 11.
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